BJJ Open Mats in New Zealand
How to turn up, find good rounds and avoid behaving like a weapon at somebody else’s gym.
BJJ open mats are one of the best ways to get extra rounds, meet people from other gyms and experience training outside your normal class structure. If you have never been to one, though, turning up at another gym with no formal lesson planned can feel a bit strange. This guide explains what open mats are, what usually happens and how to turn up without accidentally becoming the person everyone avoids rolling with.
If this is your first time visiting another gym, start with our First BJJ Class Guide. If you need to sort your gear first, use the BJJ Gi Size Guide or the complete BJJ Gi Buying Guide.
Why Open Mats Hit Different
My first ever open mat was in Auckland, back when I was still in high school and had more enthusiasm than technique. It was the school holidays, my older brother dragged me along, and the gym had a 10am weekday open mat — rare for NZ, but perfect for a broke student with no car and no idea what was coming.
We walked 45 minutes from our neighbourhood to the next suburb. Honestly, that walk was my warm-up. Anxiety, excitement, wondering if people would smash me or gas me out within the first minute… the full emotional rollercoaster. Classic first-time jitters.
And here’s the funny thing — after 16 years of rolling across NZ and overseas — open mats are basically the same everywhere.
The Awkward Stare Off Ritual
You turn up.
You do the polite-but-scared head nod.
You pretend to stretch even though you’re not warm.
You look around and hope someone will break the silence.
Eventually someone wanders over, sticks out their hand, and suddenly you’re “in.” Then, in true Kiwi fashion, once one person acknowledges you… everyone does. Before you know it, you’re shaking hands around the mats like a politician at election time.
Then someone yells, “Timer on?” and the chaos begins.
Still pretty new to the mats?
If an open mat feels like jumping ahead a chapter, the First BJJ Class Guide covers the basics of what happens in a normal coached session.
Read the First BJJ Class GuideOpen Mats vs Regular Classes: What’s the Difference?
Open mats here tend to be a bit more intense than standard classes. No drilling, no warm-up laps, no shrimping. Just straight to rolling — or sitting on the sidelines talking smack until someone forces you into a round.
Some of the craziest rolls of my life have been at open mats — especially at the first gym I ever went to. They used to host in-house competitions every couple of weekends. Think of it like a smoker match for BJJ: no medals, no bright lights, just gym whānau testing each other.
What’s wild is some of the best guys in the gym never compete in big comps — hate the crowds, the formality, the nerves. But at open mats? They roll like killers. You learn heaps watching them, and even more getting body-surfed by them.
The Community Side of Open Mats Is Underrated
People forget this part: open mats are low-key networking events.
You’ve got:
- shift workers coming for a stress relief roll
- gym hoppers checking out the vibe
- visiting black belts from overseas
- hobbyists who treat Sunday open mat like church
After a long week of mahi, you rock up, slap hands, and let the cortisol melt away. There’s an unspoken rule: everyone belongs on the mat, no matter where you train or what belt you wear.
BJJ Open Mats Around NZ — Let’s Build a Kiwi Roll List
One thing Aotearoa doesn’t have yet is a solid, community-built list of open mats nationwide… so let’s make one right here.
If you’re reading this:
💬 Drop your gym’s open mat details in the comments below.
Include:
- City
- Day / Time
- Gi or No-Gi
- Gym name
- Website / Facebook / Instagram links
This blog will become a living, crowd-sourced map of NZ open mats — so new students, travellers, and anyone keen for a weekend roll can find a spot.
Final Thoughts
After 16 years of rolling across the country and overseas, I can honestly say Kiwi open mats have their own special energy — relaxed but competitive, welcoming but tough, humble but high level. Whether you’re a first-timer or a black belt visiting from overseas, you’ll always find someone willing to slap hands and have a proper go.
Open mats are where you learn the most, sweat the most, and sometimes even make your closest mates.
New to BJJ?
Start with what your first class looks like, then explore the wider Go Getter Gi guide library.
First BJJ Class GuideBrowse BJJ GuidesIf you want a neutral background on the sport, see Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Grappling.
